People cross a makeshift bridge on River Suume in Bukalasi sub county, Bududa district, eastern Uganda, Oct. 12, 2018. The death toll from landslides that hit the eastern Ugandan district of Bududa on Thursday had risen to 38, a senior government official said on Friday. (Xinhua/Daniel Edyegu)

The death toll from landslides that hit the eastern Ugandan district of Bududa on Thursday had risen to 38, a senior government official said on Friday.

Martin Owor, commissioner of relief, disaster preparedness and management, told Xinhua by telephone that after the landslides hit Bukalasi and Buwali sub-counties, 38 bodies had been recovered. In addition, 15 people were injured and 143 houses destroyed.

Owor said heavy downpour halted the search and rescue operation on Friday afternoon as it was becoming dangerous.

Sowed Mansur, Elgon region police spokesperson, told Xinhua by telephone that the rescue operation will continue on Saturday.

"We still have hopes to rescue some people alive especially on the other side where the bridge was cut off. They were not so much affected. It's the cut-off bridge hindering the teams," Mansur said.

Torrential rains on Thursday caused River Suume to burst its banks, triggering landslides that devastated two villages in Bukalasi and Buwali sub-counties, leaving scores of people dead and property destroyed.